Mark Pope’s Kentucky have had a difficult season, and then even more difficult transfer portal. When last season started, the $22 million NIL investment in the squad was both a motivation as well as a pressure on Mark Pope’s shoulders. Apparently it was too much.
The season was rather a disappointment as the Wildcats got eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament after a 82-63 loss vs Iowa State. Mark Pope had to navigate through a lot of injuries to almost all his key players. After the season, most of the his preferred starting five, left Kentucky. There was optimism around the transfer portal as everything pointed towards Tyran Stokes committing to Kentucky.
However, that did not happen and Stokes announced that he will be joining Bill Self’s Kansas. Not only Stokes, but unfortunately for Pope, there is a list of players who have rejected Kentucky. Another addition to that list is Wake Forest transfer guard Juke Harris.
Wake Forest transfer guard Juke Harris has committed to Rick Barnes’ Tennessee. The 6-7 sophomore is the no. 1 player in the transfer portal according to On3’s scouting reports.
Mark Pope had made intentions of recruiting Harris very evident. The Wildcats had Jake Harris as their top target but he did not decide to visit. His three final schools were Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee.
He averaged 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season. After 2 years playing college basketball, Harris actually declared for the NBA draft after the season ended. He was projected as an early second-round pick, however, Juke Harris has withdrawn from the NBA draft.
Fans react to Juke Harris committing to Tennessee
Fans were divided on the commitment. While some Kentucky fans did not like it, some others approved the decision.
“Only to be swept by Kentucky & not make the Final Four for the 120th season,” one fan claimed.
“Tennessee just got a monster. Rick Barnes lands a legit go-to scorer. That’s a portal win that moves the needle in the SEC,” one fan stated.
“Welp i guess he didn’t want a final 4,” another fan said.
“Final 4 run while KY crumbles,” one fan mocked.
“Mark Pope you gotta be the dumbest person on this earth. We needed a star forward & your dumbass is prolly at church somewhere telling people how beautiful your life is and how you love watching people grow. I hate you,” one fan unloaded on Kentucky HC.
“Have fun only playing 2 rounds in the tourney…lol,” another commented.
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